Perth Bikie War: Accused Ordered Hit on Rival, Sent Emojis After Murder, Court Hears
A former Comancheros bikie member allegedly orchestrated the brazen public murder of a rival gang leader and then celebrated the killing with chilling digital messages, a Western Australian court was told today. David James Pye, 43, is standing trial in the WA Supreme Court, accused of commissioning the shooting death of ex-Rebels boss Nick Martin at the Kwinana Motorplex in December 2020.
The trial began today under heavy police guard, with a judge-alone format expected to last three weeks. Pye denies all allegations, including charges of murder and inciting others to commit indictable offenses.
According to state prosecutor Justin Whalley, Pye and the alleged assassin – whose identity remains suppressed – first connected online in late 2019 while the latter was working in Iraq. Their communication continued upon the man’s return to Australia, initially revolving around Pye allegedly assisting with sourcing MDMA for pain relief related to an overseas injury.
The prosecution alleges that in mid-2020, Pye offered the man $380,000 to kill a 35-year-old woman in witness protection, even offering instructions on disposing of the body. However, the man reportedly rejected the proposition, stating it was a “stupid idea” and he would not harm “innocent women.”
The alleged plot then shifted to Martin, with Pye purportedly believing the former Rebels leader had previously ordered a hit on him. Whalley stated Pye offered $10,000 for information on Martin, escalating to a $150,000 bounty for his murder. The alleged assassin visited the Kwinana Motorplex in November 2020 to scout the location, later informing Pye it would be a suitable place to carry out the hit.
On December 12, 2020, Nick Martin was shot and killed while attending a drag racing event with his family and an estimated 2,000 spectators. Former Bandidos member Ricky Chapman and a five-year-old boy were also injured in the sniper-style attack. Following the shooting, Pye allegedly sent the assassin a message containing two coffin emojis and a clapping hands symbol.
Defense counsel David Hallowes, in his opening address, asserted Pye’s innocence, stating he did not ask the man to kill Martin, nor did he offer any payment for the act. He further stated Pye denies any involvement in the alleged plots to murder the other two individuals.
The high-profile assassination triggered a significant crackdown on organized crime in Western Australia, with police raiding numerous bikie clubhouses. A $1 million reward was offered for information leading to the investigation’s success, with then-WA Premier Mark McGowan describing the shooting as “the most un-West Australian thing he had ever heard.” A heavy police presence was also maintained at Martin’s funeral in December 2020, attended by hundreds of mourners.
The trial is expected to reveal further details about the alleged conspiracy and the motivations behind the shocking act of violence. The identity of the shooter is expected to be revealed as he is scheduled to give evidence this week.
